(An old song sounds from the background)
Jacob Dahlin: Do you remember that?
Agnetha Faltskög: Yes, of course. It’s a mixture of several photos and
things.
JD: I meant the song.
A: It’s a tape I made when I was 13 years old.
JD: You were registered with the TV program „Småstad” ?
A: That’s right.
JD: Along with a girl named Elisabeth.
A: There were 3 of us who sang and danced. Did you read about that
somewhere?
JD: No. Elisabeth’s father Peter sent us the tape.
A: Her brother’s name is Peter – her father’s name is Jakob.
JD: Skoal and welcome ! Nice to have you here.
A: It’s nice to be here.
JD: Skol ! When you were 13 you sang that you wanted to look like
Brigitte Bardot. Now here you sit with your new look: The New Agnetha ! Is your
look important?
A: It must harmonize with the material on the new album. It’s very
important. I think. It’s good to reinvent yourself and try to look you best. You
men have it easy. You can look any way you like and it’s OK. But we always have
to keep changing and look as good as possible. And our look has to suit our
latest project.
JD: You and Lulu-Marielle have been here 3 times. You’re as beautiful as
before. Is this look Agnetha The Artist?
A: Yes, I feel that it’s important to make that distinction.
JD: When you were in America around 7 stylists worked on you?
A: Yes, there were seven Italians and just one American. They
worked on me for 3 and a half hours to achive my new look.
JD:How does this look harmonize with your new music?
A: It’s very fresh, very 1987. You can’t look like you did 10 years ago.
There are always new styles, so it’s nice to work with people who have heard the
music, so they know what type of look is appropriate.
JD: No other Swede today could go to the USA and have an album produced
by Peter Cetera. You’ve gotten terrific reviews, but I wonder how you overcame
your fear of flying?
A: I haven’t ! It’s still there and it’s terrifying !
JD: Did they have to tie you down?
A: It’s not quite that bad. If I must fly for my work or vacation
then I do. But I haven’t flown in 3 years as it’s very stressful for me.
JD: Why was this a sufficient challenge?
A: I think Peter Cetera has a terrific voice. He’s written many great
songs for Chicago. And Bruce Gaitsch, who is here today. He wrote „La Isla
Bonita” and produced part of my LP. When I heard Peter wanted to work with me, I
was very interested.
JD: Still, I think you’re world-famous with money in the bank. You live
in seciusion. Suddenly you’re drawn to the spotlight again.
A: You feel something inside… And you want to let it out. It might
be music or a film. When you get the chance you take it. You never grow blase.
For instance my LP went gold in advance orders alone. And I’m thrilled !
JD: Will you go on tour and meet the public?
A: No ! I’m well-established and I’m in control. I do what I can,
but no touring.
JD: Why not ?
A: I’m afraid to fly and I don’t like being away from home. I’ve been
recording 20 years and that slavery is over.
JD: But when I saw you at Brighton in 74 you loved being on stage.
A: On stage is one thing – touring and waking up in hotel rooms is
another.
JD: Surely you must do a promotional tour throughout Europe?
A: No, I don’t ! There are other ways to reach out. It’s a lot of
fun to do TV, videos, radio… but travelling is too hard.
JD: Don’t you feel pressure from the fans, to tour?
A: I definitely want to reach my fans. But I feel that I can do it with
videos and TV appearances.
JD: Fans still come and hang around your house, don’t they?
A: Yes, it’s very sweet.
JD: You want to be home with your children, but someday they won’t be at
home very much.
A: It’s that way already.
JD: What will you do then?
A: They’ll always need me, even if it sometimes seems like they
don’t.
JD: When will you take control of your talent?
A: I always have juggled motherhood and career. It’s hard, but I manage.
JD: Any guilty conscience?
A: Sure, like any parent, even parents living together as a family.
JD: But you’re the most famous working mother.
A: I don’t know. There are many mothers who have it tough.
JD: Would you like to be like everyone else?
A: I am like everyone else !
JD: You’re not, are you?
A: Yes, I am ! You can’t imagine how ordinary I am !
JD: Yes, but here sits 50 kg (110 lbs) of charisma, and…
A: 50 ??
JD: 45 (110 lbs) ? In any case a hell of a lot of charisma here.
A: Ah, and so much energy !
JD: It’s been awfully nice to have you here.